Capital Projects Approved at UNH

The following projects were approved by the University System of New Hampshire board of trustees at its meeting April 18, 2014. The trustees and university leadership recognize the importance of not only addressing long deferred maintenance, but ensuring that our campus’ facilities are attractive and meet the needs of the community. Our buildings and facilities play an important role in recruitment, student satisfaction, and increasing the university’s visibility in a competitive marketplace. Learn more about the renovation, replacement and expansion that will occur on campus over the next several years.

Hamilton Smith Hall Total Renovation

Home to the English Department as well as complimentary programs in creative writing, journalism, English as a Second Language, and others, Hamilton Smith is the university’s most heavily used classroom building. It has not been renovated in more than 30 years and has significant life safety and ADA compliance deficiencies that could lead to costly short-term repairs and limited use of the classrooms.

The iconic building will undergo a total interior and exterior renovation. It will include a 12 percent increase in the number of classroom seats, modern classroom and office spaces, and two technology enabled labs. Construction on the project will begin in 2015 and be completed in the summer of 2017.

Holloway Commons Expansion

This project will increase seating capacity by 365 in one of the university’s three dining halls. Designed to address the current lack of seats and to accommodate future increases in dining plan holders, the expansion will include two new areas for seating and an expanded check-in to improve the flow of people. Construction is expected to begin in May 2015 with the facility operational when students return in late August.

New Outdoor Pool

The new pool will have many of the beloved features of the existing pool like zero depth (“minnow”) entry and lap/fitness lanes, as well as enhanced social space, a design with a natural feel, and a bath house. It will be accessible for everyone, more sustainable, and meet all current health and safety standards. Construction will begin this year so the replacement pool is operational for the summer of 2015.

“The greatest challenges facing higher education are access and affordability. This agreement will allow more New Hampshire business students the opportunity to transfer easily to UNH and continue their learning beyond the associate degree level.”

“I expect the lives of ordinary Chinese artists who attempt to express their opinions through their art reveals a very different picture from the headline grabbing current events of the high-profile political persecution of artists.”

“I’d lived my whole life in New Hampshire, and even though I knew UNH had done well by both my parents, I really wanted to forge my own path. Fortunately, I soon realized I could forge my own path right at UNH.”